Self-deprecating humour is good for you, claims study

If you're always the butt of your own jokes, then we have some news worth smiling about: it turns out that self-deprecating humour may be good for you.

New research by the University of Granada in Spain has revealed that people who frequently crack self-defeating jokes, mocking themselves to make others laugh, seem to have greater levels of psychological wellbeing.

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After analysing the results of five studies on over 1,000 people comparing humour style and personality traits, the team discovered the positive effect of taking the mick out of yourself.

The findings, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, seem to contradict previous research, which has suggested that self-defeating humour can have negative psychological effects, such as low self-esteem.

'We have observed that a greater tendency to employ self-defeating humour is indicative of high scores in psychological well-being dimensions such as happiness and, to a lesser extent, sociability,' said researcher Jorge Torres Marín in a release.

But, the team reckons the results may vary, according to where you live...

'The results, as well as being consistent with the positive connotations traditionally attributed to the act of "laughing at oneself" in our country [Spain], also suggest that the effects of self-defeating humour on well-being may differ depending on where the research takes places.

'Consequently, we believe it is necessary to conduct new studies aimed at analysing potential cultural differences in the use of this kind of humour.'